Darrell Rasner took the mound in Oakland today in front of many family and friends. Coming from this lovely California climate (mid to low 70’s again today), he did his best to fight back the nerves and pitch to impress his hometown fans. However, just like most homecomings in sports, it was a bust. He was beat up pretty good in his 3.2 innings of work, having his day ended in his dismal 3rd inning. His day accumulated 9 Hits, 7 Runs (6 Earned), 1 Walk, and 4 Strike Outs. Not the way he wanted to perform for his family and friends.
The Yankees struck first with a team leading 15th Home Run for Jason Giambi (with that crazy moustache), in the 2nd inning. Little did they know what was in store for them in the next inning. Other than a late mini-rally in the top of the 9th inning, that was the only offense the club could put together today.
The bullpen, coming in so early in this contest, put together an impressive 4.1 innings of 2 Hit ball, with only 1 Earned Run. Good enough to hold them back, but the damage had already been done.
The Yankees lose this one 4-8, and drop to their familiar .500 record at 33-33. They drop back to 7 games behind Boston, and for the forth straight day have a 3-way tie for 3rd place (or basement, depending on how you see the glass).
